With several payments being made by the Caryville Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday night, a suggestion was made to lower the cost of utility bills.

The athletic lights located in the Asbury Park ball field, have been paid in increments for over 10 years, according to Alderman Wade Lawson. The lights have been paid for but the town continues to make payments toward maintenance.

Lawson suggested the board stop paying the bills toward maintenance and save approximately $520.10 on utility bills. The board approved the motion to stop paying for light maintenance.

In other business the board approved progress billing number five and six payments to Brown, Jake and McDaniel for the annual audit. The combined total for the two payments is $2,835.

In the street department, Director David Muse requested the purchase of a conveyor chain for the salt spreader. The board approved the chain payment of $600.

During conversation on the street department, the board thanked the workers for successfully clearing and making the roads safe.

About 15 tons of salt was used last week during the bad weather. Muse asked the board for prior approval to get the remainder of the order when needed. The board approved Muse’s recommendation to order the salt in the near future.

Last on the agenda was the approval of gift cards to employees and staff. The total cost for all gift cards is $3,500. Employees, aldermen and mayor receive $100 each. Fire department and planning commission members will receive $50.

“During the financial crisis the employees sacrificed their pay,” said Mayor Robert Stooksbury. “It’s only right to give it back.”

During the meeting the board set a meeting to discuss liquor by the drink and package stores. The workshop to discuss ordinances and plans will be held on Jan. 3, at 7 p.m.